DAY 21 - Full moon

Ugcxatlantic
Thu 11 Dec 2008 10:09
15:21.00N 54:46.00W
6 AM (local time), Thursday morning. We
are heading into day 21.
Speed is good, currently 6 knots and we take the
wind straight from behind, (from east, not north-east as we hoped
for). Last 1-2 days we were forced slightly northwards due to the wind
turned more easterly during Tuesday. However, since last night, with
the easterly direction we have reefed the genova and been using only
the main sail which allow us to get back on target course, currently 262 degree.
The compromise is a yacht that again 'rock and roll' sideways. The wave height
have increased up to 4 meters which also makes the yacht take quite
big swings. Not so comfortable, unfortunately. Under deck it sounds like a
plastic & metallic orchestra when all its cooking pans, plates etc are being
thrown around. Moving (walking) is pretty much a challenge as well, but as we
get closer to target we prefer to stay at this target course rather
than tacking off-course which would give a nice heel. We are 60 miles north and
350 miles east of target position at this morning, and the wind direction next
days will decide if we can change into a port or starboard tack.
The fastest yachts in ARC (the Atlantic Regatta Cruising) have passed us.
The ocean is big but nevertheless we had last two days 4-5 catamarans and larger
yachts with huge spinnaker sails within eye sight (and one Norwegian boat in VHF
radio contact as well) on their way to St. Lucia where the finish line is.
We believe that most of the "regular" configured sailing
yachts are still behind or at similar position vs. target as
ourselves.
We keep fishing for lunch hence the pastas and the soups are being
stuffed away. Food and drinking-water provisions are ok. Diesel fuel is
short though, and we discuss regularly when and how best we
should utilize the remaining, considering our daily need
of el-power battery charging and water production,
against weather forecast for next few days in case we would need fuel to
compensate for less wind (to maintain acceptable speed). During last 4 days
the wind has been fine, 15-20 kn with some few squalls up to 35 kn. The sun is
here, the moon has just grown to full, and water temperature is 28 Celsius. Pity
we don't have time for a swim but certainly we will when we arrive to
Martinique.
Last days log:
Day 20 expected 135-140 nm
Day 19 127 nm
Day 18 151 nm
Day 17 119 nm
Day 16 96
nm
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